W3 Wine School

Mousseux (France)

Mousseux is French for "Sparkling".

Mousseux is used for sparkling wines that are not Champagne nor Crémant.

Mousseux Flavors

Typical Mousseux flavors are Citrus, Apple, Pear, Pineapple, White Flowers. Herbs and Almonds.

Lemon
Lemon
Lime
Lime
Apple
Apple
Pear
Pear
Pineapple
Pineapple
Flowers
Flowers
Herbs
Herbs
Almonds
Almonds

Mousseux Profile

Mousseux wines are dry and acidic, much like Prosecco:

SUGAR:Dry 3g/l
BODY:Light
FRUIT:Low
ACIDITY:High
ALCOHOL:10-12% ABV
Temperature Serving temperatures:
6-8°C (43-46°F)

Mousseux Food Pairing

You can drink sparkling wine to almost everything, whether it is French Champagne, Spanish Cava or Italian Prosecco.

Sparkling wines pair very well with salty food, because the bubbles break up the salt in the mouth. The acidity and bubbles also pair well with rich food, creamy and oily dishes.

Aperitif
Aperitif
Salads
Salads
Tapas
Tapas
Sandwitch
Sandwitch
Crab
Seafood
French Fries
Fries
Egg
Egg Dishes
Pasta
Pasta
Strawberries
Strawberries
Panettone
Cantucci
Panettone
Panettone
Soft Cheese
Soft Cheese

Excellent Pairings

Antipasti. Sandwiches. Focaccia.
Green Salad. Asparagus. Avocado. Artichokes.
Ham and Melon. Prosciutto. Serano.
Egg Dishes. Omelette. Smoked Salmon.
French Fries. Popcorn.
Panettone. Biscuits.
Fruit Salad. Sweet Soufflés.
Figs. Chocolate. Crème Brulée.

The Ideal Glass for Mousseux

A Flute Glass has a tall and narrow bowl to emphasize the aromas of the wine. The shape also helps balance the acidity found in sparkling wines.

Flutes also preserve bubbles by reducing the surface area at the top, which slows the release of carbonation, keeping a sparkling wine fizzy for longer.

Mousseux Cheese Pairing

Brie and Camembert

The creamy, buttery texture and mild flavors of Brie or Camembert pair well with Mousseux's soft bubbles and fruity notes. Serve the cheese at room temperature with slices of pear or apple.

Chèvre (Goat Cheese)

The tangy, fresh flavors of goat cheese complement the acidity often found in Mousseux, especially those made from Chenin Blanc or Sauvignon Blanc. Drizzle with a bit of honey or sprinkle with fresh herbs.

Chaource

This creamy, slightly tangy cheese enhances Mousseux's gentle acidity and complements its soft bubbles. Serve with fresh berries or a touch of apricot jam.

Langres

This mild, washed-rind cheese has a creamy texture and a subtle tang that pairs beautifully with Mousseux. Add a small drop of honey or serve with fresh grapes.

Tomme de Savoie

This semi-hard, nutty cheese pairs beautifully with the gentle effervescence and often fruity character of Mousseux. Add some dried fruits or nuts to highlight the pairing.

French Mousseux

In France, a Vin Mousseux, is a sparkling wine, made either by the Charmant metod (Secondary Fermentation in a tank), or by adding Carbon Dioxide - CO2.

These are some AOCs (Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée):

AOC Blanquette de Limoux. (Languedoc)
Sparkling Red Wines from Mauzac (90%), Chardonnay, and Chenin Blanc.

AOC Bourgogne Mousseux. (Burgundy)
Sparkling Red Wines from Pinot Noir and Gamay.

AOC Bugey Mousseux. (Savoie)
Sparkling Whites from Chardonnay, Jacquère, and Molette.
Sparkling Rosés from Gamay and Pinot Noir.

AOC Saumur Mousseux (Loire).
Sparkling Whites from Chenin Blanc, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc.
Sparkling Rosés from Pinot Noir. Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon.

AOC Vouvray Mousseux (Loire).
Sparkling Whites from Chenin Blanc.


Alcohol can be addictive. Always drink in moderation.

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